Yet another 'what car' thread.....................

[MadDad]

After an employment drought at the end of last year I have finally started a new contract – trouble is its in Devon so I am running back and forth from Binfield in the FIAT Barchetta - it’s a bit noisy, not taking the miles too well and I would not stand a chance in a smash (of which I have see 6 in 3 weeks).

Initially I was thinking about replacing it with a 3.0 Z3 but it now looks as if the contract is going to run for 6 – 9 months so my thoughts have turned to a more comfortable m-way cruiser. I am only going to spend about 4-ish k, needs to be a decent cruiser with a reasonable equipment level, still a bit of fun to drive but reliable……….

I have been thinking down the road of a 5 series or a Jag ‘S’ type (this one looks quite nice although it’s a high miler)… http://www.charlesofwindsor.co.uk/view.asp?ID=2574

Any inspirational thoughts?????

[VerySideways]

Hard to beat a 5 for what you're talking about...

[touching cloth]

You would get a nice Saab 95 for that sort of money, 5er will be a better car in theory but a Saab will be newer and lower mileage for the money and pretty bulletproof.

Something like this would be very good
http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/811665.htm

[bmw2002]

MadDad said:

I have been thinking down the road of a 5 series or a Jag ‘S’ type (this one looks quite nice although it’s a high miler)… http://www.charlesofwindsor.co.uk/view.asp?ID=2574

Any inspirational thoughts?????

Hi Lee, have heard a few 'comments' about C of W, go in with your eyes wide open, they have a lot of stock, with most of it coming from BCA I understand, friend of mine bought her SLK from there, complete with BCA paperwork still in the glovebox! (a nice £2k uplift too)

[MadDad]

Thanks Nigel, I popped in yesterday and thankfully got to the car before they had a chance to prep it, turned around and walked away - defo looked as if it had come straight from Blackbush! If it were not for the fact that I am in Devon Mon-Fri I would pop down myself but its not practical at the moment - situation is getting quite urgent as the FIAT is not doing the miles very well.....

SAAB is quite a good idea, really fancy a 5 series but cannot stretch the budget too far at the moment to be able to afford a decent one with less miles than the space shuttle.

I might have to lower my sights a bit and get something with a little less appeal for a while - on the plus side the missus has agreed 'in principal' to me getting a tiv in the summer if I sell the FIAT to buy a work hack (depending on income in the summer of course).....

I usually love finding a new car but this is turning into an ordeal, just cannot find anything I like that fits the bill for the right price...

[bmw2002]

MadDad said:

Thanks Nigel, I popped in yesterday and thankfully got to the car before they had a chance to prep it, turned around and walked away - defo looked as if it had come straight from Blackbush! If it were not for the fact that I am in Devon Mon-Fri I would pop down myself but its not practical at the moment - situation is getting quite urgent as the FIAT is not doing the miles very well.....

SAAB is quite a good idea, really fancy a 5 series but cannot stretch the budget too far at the moment to be able to afford a decent one with less miles than the space shuttle.

I might have to lower my sights a bit and get something with a little less appeal for a while - on the plus side the missus has agreed 'in principal' to me getting a tiv in the summer if I sell the FIAT to buy a work hack (depending on income in the summer of course).....

I usually love finding a new car but this is turning into an ordeal, just cannot find anything I like that fits the bill for the right price...

I must admit there are plenty of barges out there, its deciding on which one! Volvo S80/Omega/Saab/Merc E Class all seem to be value for money, and for around £3k you are spoilt for choice.

ETA. This looks alright for the money. http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/811496.htm

Edited by bmw2002 on Sunday 25th January 23:53

[Dave B d3]

Have to say, I am more than please with the 320D M-Sport so far, there where good 320d SE's for the 4k mark...

D

[MadDad]

What about this, bit older but looks mint!

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/866268.htm

[bmw2002]

MadDad said:

What about this, bit older but looks mint!

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/866268.htm

Cheap enough, low miles, shame the engine is only a 2 litre, but for motorway slogging it should do the job.

[MadDad]

Hmmm - true enough 2.0 might be a bit too small...............

[y2blade]

VOLVO T5 i love my old swede

[boobles]

Z3 M Roadster. great all rounder & can chew up motorway miles no problem!

[y2blade]

boobles said:

Z3 M Roadster. great all rounder & can chew up motorway miles no problem!

did you read the opening post?

MadDad said:

Initially I was thinking about replacing it with a 3.0 Z3 but it now looks as if the contract is going to run for 6 – 9 months so my thoughts have turned to a more comfortable m-way cruiser. I am only going to spend about 4-ish k, needs to be a decent cruiser with a reasonable equipment level, still a bit of fun to drive but reliable……….

I have been thinking down the road of a 5 series or a Jag ‘S’ type (this one looks quite nice although it’s a high miler)… http://www.charlesofwindsor.co.uk/view.asp?ID=2574

Any inspirational thoughts?????

[boobles]

I did, but the m roadster is fine for motorway journeys & 4 k may not get an m roadster but with that money he could get a Z3.

Like this one.

http://www.pistonheads.com/sales/663535.htm

Edited by boobles on Tuesday 27th January 11:59

[JKY]

Golf Mk4 1.8T - I used to do Berkshire to Plymouth in mine regularly and superb responsive motorway cruiser that would do 36mpg at 85mph or 40mpg at 70.
You will get a mint late one for your budget.